How to do a family devotion with under 5s
(Yes really!)
1. Start from Birth
Our daughter was born 16 weeks prematurely.
Nurses encouraged us to read to her from day one. Reading is good for development even when a child should still be in the room.
But of course, it’s not just a physical development but a spiritual.
Reading from birth makes something a habit. Kids become used to the habit of hearing God before they understand it
2. Do it at meal times
Families who read daily generally attach devotions to meals.
Why? Kids love structure.
Last week, we were in a rush and were going to cut the Bible time. This prompted outrage from the children. Now it’s part of the routine my will not let me get away with not reading!
Every day we MUST read.
3. Short and sweet
Under 5 is not the time for 30 minute bible studies in Leviticus.
Their age is a good rule of thumb for length of attention span. Don't underestimate the power ofshort devotions though! The compounding effect of 365 three minute devotions is more significant than you'd think.
365 days of 5 minute Bible studies is better than 4 days of 30mins that you quit.
4. Start with a set prayer
In our family we pray Samuel's prayer:
"Speak Lord your servant is listening. Amen"
Even our one year old can say amen. Repeated prayers give little minds words to grow into.
5. Read a story
Nothing will work as well as a story at this age.
And a good story Bible with bright pictures will keep kids engaged.
Again consider attention spans for how long a story you read (you can always split it into parts)
Here’s my recommendations for resources to try:
6. Exaggerate
There’s a reason kids’ TV presenters seem so hyper-active. It keeps the kids engaged.
Follow their lead:
Use funny voices
Use hand gestures for actions
Gasp with shock
Cheer with excitement
Make this a fun part of the day they don't want to miss !
(Bonus: It’s a great way to get the giggles out! Everyone loves a toddlers laugh)
7. Ask "What's one thing you enjoyed/learnt?"
This obviously doesn't work with non-speakers. But once they speak they can express
Sometimes it'll be "I loved when Goliath got smashed in the head". That's okay you'll get deeper at some point.
You could also ask "Do you have any questions?"
8. Pray
Beginning with God does a good little method:
🙌 Hands up: Praise point
🙏Hands down: Please point
It can be as short as this:
🙌 Hands up: “Thank you God that you rescue people”
🙏Hands down: “Please help us to trust you Amen”
(With babies just rock them and pray for them)
9. Leave the Bible on the table
Why leave the Bible on the table?
It's a visual reminder to do it tomorrow. Either you or the kids will see it and remember to do it.
A final challenge to the men...
10. Dads: Be there.
That can be a challenge with a long commute. You have so little time with your kids.
But if you prioritise this, it sends an important message to kids.
(Same goes for mums, but in my experience rarely a problem)
Whenever I talk about this someone says "This is impossible for our family".
I'll be honest... I'm not convinced.
You can do it in 2 minutes.
You can do it with a screaming baby.
You can do in a hospital
Disagree? Try it for a week. Prove me wrong
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Thanks, Tim. Some great ideas that I really appreciate here. I'm curious about your point over "do it at meal times" Do you mean just before food is served or just after or perhaps even while (maybe you don't eat while the kids do). I'm just wondering as it can be a bit messy at our with kids coming in hangry and a one and a half year old who likes to "share" his food.